12 August 2024

In a continuation of our strategic efforts to enhance the female game, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) are proud to launch Sister RISE. 

Sister RISE offers a unique opportunity to connect and develop youth female participants within the game, not only players but coaching and management staff as well.  

In particular, the initiative aims to prepare our female rangatahi, helping them to reach peak physical performance, as well as upskilling and developing coaches and supporting staff too.  

Motu Tony GM of Football and High Performance at NZRL says, “Growing our women’s game is paramount to NZRL. We have immense talent here in Aotearoa, especially in terms of female rangatahi, but we need to make sure they have the right foundations in place that allows them to succeed now and into the future. Sister RISE is another great step towards helping nurture our local talent.” 

Sister RISE follows the success over the past two years of NZRL’s talent development programme, RISE. This programme helped the Ahi Kā Aotearoa female under 19s team that travelled to Australia earlier in the year to compete in the Harvey Norman Women’s Championship.   

The programme will be delivered nationally, with a particular focus in the short term on connecting with those taking part at NZRL’s upcoming National Youth Tournament, to be held in Tauranga from 29th-31st September.  

Luisa Avaiki, Head of Women’s Rugby League at NZRL, and her team will be connecting with those around the country over the next few weeks in a bid to ensure they are best equipped for the upcoming youth tournament.  

“It’s an exciting time for female rugby league what with our Kiwi Ferns playing later in the year, and the Warriors being introduced permanently into the NRLW next year,” says Tony.  

“Making sure we provide an enjoyable and safe experience for our young players is paramount, and with Sister RISE we can continue to develop and showcase our future Kiwi Ferns stars as well, in particular at the National Youth Tournament.”